Pop It

This week we're joined by Ashley Troy of The Trunk n' Disorderly and Emily Briggs of Bloom and Barter. We're talking about Brimfield Antique Fair, America's oldest outdoor antiques flea market. Ashley and Emily are known at Brimfield for their curated collection of vintage and handmade items. Find them under the striped tent in Central Park and make sure to ask them "what's the best you can do?"

We're on site at Sparkle on Park with owner Ari Phillippi. Sparkle is part flowers, part art, and part local wonder. We're chatting with Ari about what it feels like to make a name for herself as a new retail option in an established Worcester neighborhood. She's an aphishianado, a florist, and a creative. Hear why Birchtree Bread Co. is the best spot in the city for public breastfeeding and why Kim K deserves baby shower #4.

We're on the 19th floor at Webster Five Bank with Vice President Monica Thomas-Bonnick. Monica brings over 20 years of experience providing financing solutions for start-ups, women-owned businesses and franchises. Her career trajectory has spanned from the role of non-profit CFO to landing her a spot on Crain's New York "Business 40 under 40" list. Don't forget her stint as a white water canoe instructor. These days, Monica is in the business of earning trust and building relationships in Central Mass.

This week on Pop It, we're on site at NKD Lashes, Waxing, and Makeup with estheticians Kristie-Lee Laskes and Crystal Whittemore. Per usual, we are joined by photographer Unity Mike Hendrickson, but this time he's not behind the camera. We're talking event logistics, wedding days, and the means by which a professional image can lead to women's empowerment. NKD and Mike want to party with you like it's 1999 at their 90's Prom on May 4th to benefit Dress for Success. Find out why Kate Middleton isn't really a princess. Plus, our introduction to NKD's Game of Thrones-level microdermabrasion service. This weeks photos by Roland Silva.

When Stacey Luster was elected in 1997, she was the first African American to serve on the Worcester City Council in over six decades. Now, she is the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Payroll, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity at Worcester State University. We're discussing diversity, the gender pay gap, and advice for women looking to run for local office. Stacey received her hard-earned law degree from Boston University and we want to know what she thinks of Kim Kardashian West's quest to become an attorney by an alternative path. Photos by our dear friend Unity Mike Hendrickson.

This week, we're on site at Pageboy Inc. where a team of craft hairdressers aim to elevate Worcester's hair industry. We are joined by owners Brie Brooks and Carissa Clearwater along with stylist Leanne Rowe. Pageboy is quickly becoming a valuable meeting place for creatives throughout the city, including TRVST Collective, a group of artists, musicians, and craftsmen dedicated to honesty and freedom of expression. We talk face shapes, tattoo families, and public clapbacks. You were at my wedding, Denise! Photos by the talented Unity Mike Hendrickson.

This week on Pop It, we're on site at Greater Good, America's First All-Imperial Brewing Company. We are joined by beer and brand specialist JT Ethier, *startender* Katie Mahoney, and front of house manager Melissa Sherry. We're talking abv's, beer scandals, and conflicts of interest. How do you deal with the Carlas in your life? We sample the latest from Hella Cocktail Co. and dive into Bieber's hiatus. Sound by John Tonelli and photos by Mike Hendrickson.

This week, we're on stage at Hanover Theater with Anna MacInnis of the Baphomettes burlesque troupe and Erin Hockey who recently appeared in the all-female butcher episode of Chopped. Anna and Erin are womb-level bff's. We hear their beautiful origin story and then discuss the difficult realities of friend-breakups. Sitting alone in a 2,300 seat theater makes honesty come easily. We cover body positivity, mean girls, and fat rendering. Photos by the talented Unity Mike Hendrickson (Best of Worcester nominee) and sound design by John Tonelli. Last chance to vote for us as Worcester's Best Radio Personalities! Click here if you feel so obliged.

We're on site at North Main Provisions with owners Alexis Kelleher and Nate Rossi—the duo responsible for Crust Bakeshop. Alexis grew up working at Worcester's most iconic eatery, Coney Island, alongside her mother and great-grandmother. Nate was the sous-chef at Armsby Abbey before joining Alexis at Crust and helping her launch North Main Provisions. For the record, this crew is pro-Jenny from the block and anti-Foodgod. We believe good wine is for drinking. John Tonelli and Mike Hendrickson are on hand for sound and snaps, respectively.

We're on site at the Ivy Corset Building with photographer Joe Gonzalez-Dufresne. As an expert third wheel for engaged couples or newlyweds and a wild visionary on commercial shoots, Joe has become one of the most sought-after creatives in Worcester. His signature storytelling style is noted for its sense of natural movement and energy. Photos by our old friend Unity Mike Hendrickson and sound production by our new friend John Tonelli.